Last week, King's Theatre in Edinburgh was re-opened after a revamp that saw stonework repaired and the roof replaced.

Now work begins on a Glasgow theatre, which will be re-developed into a "world-class venue" by 2014 for the Commonwealth Games in the city.

The £11.5m transformation of the Theatre Royal began yesterday and will include building a new entrance, a spacious foyer and a roof garden, and installing lifts for the first time.

It has been given an £850,000 boost from Lottery money.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said the Theatre Royal's history is "tightly interwoven with the social history and cultural traditions of Glasgow".

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He said: "We are delighted to add our support to a project that will not only put this national treasure on a world-class stage but will inspire and involve people of all ages with memorable and rewarding experience."

The redevelopment of the 1867-built theatre has been designed by Glasgow-based architects Page\Park.

Alex Reedijk, general director of theatre owners Scottish Opera, said: "Our vision is to open up the theatre to become a social hub, somewhere people can gather with friends for great coffee during the day, enjoy outstanding performances, learn about the performing arts, and discover the wonderful heritage of this beautiful theatre."

So far 85% of the funds needed have been raised, including £3.96m of capital funding from the Scottish Government.

Construction will take around 18 months, and for 15 months of that will take place with the theatre still open.

(NE)